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Secondary or K-12 Teaching Certification

Program Overview

Students pursuing the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction can also seek preparation as a Secondary certified teacher in the content areas of Biology, English, Social Studies, or Mathematics.

This program is designed for the professional who holds a Bachelor’s degree and who seeks to obtain Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certification in order to teach at the secondary level, grades 7-12. This program is designed to allow graduate learners to accomplish this while pursuing a master’s degree. Courses, except those that have a field experience component, are conveniently offered online to accommodate work and family schedules. Gannon University provides graduate learners with the tools to engage in leadership activities, instructional innovation, and ongoing assessment.

Graduate learners in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction are required to complete assignments labeled as portfolio evidence. The portfolio assignments enable graduate learners through action research to develop projects that will impact their classroom, school, and/or school district. As a result of these projects, graduate learners have the potential to make significant changes in schools and to emerge as leaders in their respective districts.

Individuals seeking initial teaching certification are also required to complete a professional portfolio. The portfolio is intended to demonstrate and document the professional educator’s knowledge, skills, abilities, performances, and professionalism. At the university level, portfolios must demonstrate the degree to which the teacher candidate has attained the outcomes designated by the School of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Equally important, the professional portfolio is a tool for the interviewing process.

Teacher candidates are required to complete more than 180 hours of field experiences and 14 weeks of student teaching. Teacher candidates are encouraged to talk to their advisor early in the program so that they can take the proper course sequence and meet all certification and program requirements.